PREMIER LEAGUE

Klopp says Robertson and Hatzidakis incident was “dealt with really well”

When Liverpool played Arsenal, an incident occurred in which referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to elbow defender Andy Robertson in the face.

Assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis was accused of elbowing Liverpool defender Andy Robertson in the face during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend. After an investigation, the Football Association (FA) decided to take no further action against Hatzidakis. He will not officiate this weekend, but will return in the next round of games.

Klopp says Hatzidakis incident “dealt with well”

The FA said they reviewed video footage from multiple angles as well as statements from Liverpool and PGMOL before coming to the decision. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he is pleased with how the investigation was handled.

“I think it has been dealt with really well in the end,” he said. “I wasn’t aware if it during the game at all, I only got the news after the game. Meanwhile, I saw it of course, and I spoke to Robbo and all the other guys - not to the assistant, he was not involved in that talk - but I think it was dealt with really well.”

Robertson has not commented on the matter, but Hatzidakis has, saying he fully cooperated with the investigation as well as spoke with Robertson himself.

“I fully assisted the FA with their investigation and have discussed the matter directly with Andy Robertson during an open and positive conversation,” said Hatzidakis. “It was certainly not my intention to make any contact with Andy as I pulled my arm away from him and for that I have apologized.”